<p>This would be a bigger issue at a small school, as most mid- to large schools would have more people, more programs, more dorms, more everything. . .and more opportunity for significant sub-cultures to thrive. </p>
<p>As for how to sort this out. . .the Fiske and Princeton Review guides do a pretty good job of laying out the basics, and after quite a few college visits and conversations with current students and faculty members, as well as with recent graduates, their guide information proved to be pretty reliable proved at the schools I investigated. Regardless, I would seek out as many information sources as you can.</p>